Inclusion is key to maintaining business competitiveness and opening up new economic opportunities, as people with disabilities represent untapped potential in the labor market. Businesses that do not adapt to barrier-free risk being left out of the market. For comparison, in socially developed countries this figure reaches 30-50%. “We have not just a moral obligation, but also a real economic need to adapt the labor market,” emphasizes Pchelkina.

One of the main problems, according to her, hindering the development of an inclusive labor market is the inaccessibility of workspaces. For people in wheelchairs, with prosthetics or crutches, a regular office may not be a suitable place to work.. " Imagine losing valuable personnel just because your company did not take into account the basic needs of mobility,” says Ulyana.

Businesses must also rethink how they treat workers with disabilities. According to Ulyana, superstitions about their lack of competitiveness have long been refuted by research from leading companies in the world. For example, Apple and Google have long integrated inclusivity into their policies, proving that diversity in teams increases their effectiveness.

A business that ignores inclusivity is dooming itself to lose customers and employees.. “As a consumer, I don’t go to inaccessible establishments. I ignore those services that do not take into account my needs,” explains Ulyana.

This trend, according to the expert, is already noticeable in the field of retail trade, services and tourism.. Barrier-freeness ceases to be the exception and becomes the new norm. It takes time from the adoption of bill No. 5344-d to real changes in the labor market. However, as Pchelkina notes, it is important that companies themselves understand the benefits of inclusion. This is not only an opportunity to attract new personnel, but a path to increased competitiveness.

“Businesses that do not prioritize accessibility today will simply disappear. Competition will displace those companies that are not able to adapt to new realities,” the expert emphasized.

Inclusion is not only a social imperative, but also an economic necessity. Ukrainian business has a chance not only to change its strategy, but also to lay the foundation for a new work culture. " Businesses that understand this and adapt will remain competitive and successful,” notes Pchelkina.